Belknap County Conservation District warns of invasive plants

GILFORD — The magenta-pink flower spikes of the invasive purple loosestrife plant are currently along many roadsides. The Wetlands Walk area at Gunstock has lots of native wildflowers but this is not one of them.

Purple loosestrife is native to Europe where there are insects that keep the plant from taking over soggy areas.  Despite its attractive flower that led to its use in gardens, it makes seed the size of pepper grains that are not useful to birds and other wildlife.

It overtakes areas where plants like blue vervain live that make larger seeds that are important wildlife food.  Is it important to dig out the roots since it easily re-sprouts.  Then it is best to put it in a black trash bag and leave it in the sun for a few weeks to get “cooked” before disposing of it.

Glossy buckthorn is another pest plant which likes wetlands and gaps in pine forests.  Birds like the ripe black berries and spread their seed as it upsets their digestive system.  Bushes can grow to 20-feet tall and are controlled by pulling out by the roots or digging when young.  Larger plants can be controlled with girdling, — cutting the bark all the way around — and is most effective when done twice about 4-inches apart.  The leaves have a fishbone pattern and the bark has many white spots in random design and scattered.

For more information, visit agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/plant-industry/invasive-plants.htm